NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 35: Xiao Ran’s Unexpected Discovery!
Li Lizhi found it hard to believe, “Mother, is this… too costly?”
“No! You know the difference it makes. Having thermal underwear is a game-changer. As long as the effect is the same, it’s absolutely fine,” reassured Empress Zhangsun.
Li Lizhi nodded, “I understand.”
“Go back, talk to the expert, and if everything’s fine, let’s proceed with this plan.”
“Mother, the expert has one more condition.”
Empress Zhangsun asked, “What condition?”
“No copper coins or silver, only gold transactions!”
Empress Zhangsun sighed in relief, “Although a bit troublesome, it’s acceptable.”
Empress Zhangsun inquired, “What about jewelry and accessories?”
“No!” Li Lizhi shook his head, “Only gold!”
“Alright, it should be manageable. I must visit your father. I might be late when I return.”
Clear message – no need to come at noon.
“Mother, how is your health? Let me go instead!”
“It’s okay now. I need to go out for a walk!”
After Li Lizhi left, Empress Zhangsun planned to meet others.
In the cold winter, delivering thermal underwear early was essential. The crucial part was informing Li Shimin. He was keen on the master behind Li Lizhi.
…
Xiao Ran, pondering over the map of Changan City, felt limited in his abilities. A small black square symbol suddenly caught Xiao Ran’s attention. Xiao Ran had an epiphany seeing the symbol.
Doesn’t it represent a coal mine?
Coal mines weren’t the focus, but the symbol was near Changan City. Xiao Ran realized a solution for the cold weather. Searching online, Xiao Ran found detailed information on nearby coal mines during the Tang Dynasty.
The marked ones were likely recently mined. Tang Dynasty indeed had coal at that time.
In winter, charcoal prices soared. People relied on luck due to limited technology. In this era, the rich burned charcoal, while commoners used firewood. Carbonizing charcoal was time-consuming but favored by the palace and elite families.
The seventh year of the Zhenguan era brought a colder winter, increasing charcoal demand and prices. Aristocratic families profited regardless of the people’s hardships. These families wielded significant influence.
Xiao Ran soon found detailed information on a coal mine near Changan City. Comparing maps of the Zhenguan era’s Tang Dynasty with the present, Xiao Ran discovered the coal mine close to Changan City.
The coal storage was impressive at a place called Yujiagou; unexpectedly, it was high-quality anthracite coal!
Unlike regular coal, Anthracite produced minimal smoke and was low in sulfur. In the 21st century, people refined coal for common use, but in this era, they were unaware. The sulfur content of anthracite was low, simplifying the coal-washing process.
Xiao Ran was confident in resolving the coal-washing issue. Most importantly, anthracite burned colorless and smokeless, providing excellent fuel for warmth. In this era, buildings weren’t sealed, making anthracite’s gas negligible.